Student Loan Debt Looms After Graduation For Many

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By
Sarah Cantey

Story Created:
Jul 25, 2014 at 4:08 PM CDT

Today more than 300 Troy University graduates have a reason to celebrate after walking across the Trojan Arena Stage to get their diploma. But, the class of 2014's been called the most indebted class ever, a burden many have in the back of their minds as they head out into the real world.

Project on Student Debt estimates the average debt for a student in Alabama is $26,450 that number sets Alabama about the middle of the pack across the United States. Students loans in the country swelled to more than $1 trillion.

And many Troy University students tell Alabama News Network they are seeing anywhere between $20-50,000 in student loan debt.

Mealonie Poke, Bachelors Degree Social Work said, "I mean it is just stressful but the government does have a deferment plan and give you six months to find a job so I am comfortable as far as that. But it is stressful to know you have that type of debt over your head."

Tuition costs are going up almost across the state. Troy University's is increasing 3 percent for undergrad and 8 percent for graduate tuition for the fall.

The Board of Trustees discussed at their meeting Thursday that enrollment is a top priority this coming year, to hopefully stop the tuition increase trend.